3 times Aaron Boone could’ve been fired this season and 1 reason he shouldn’t be
By Marci Rubin
2. Playing Isiah Kiner-Falefa in the outfield
The “stick Isiah Kiner-Falefa anywhere on the field” experiment needs to end. Stop forcing him to be a utility man.
He’s a third baseman, a backup shortstop, and an emergency catcher. The IKF starting shortstop experiment lasted too long, but at least then, he was clearly a stopgap. Getting him a couple of reps in the outfield so he’s prepared for an emergency is fine, but Boone running IKF out there regularly is a joke. Although IKF has made a few great catches in 17 center field appearances, Harrison Bader’s return from the I.L. should’ve spelled the end of IKF in the outfield.
IKF made his first career start in left field on May 3rd. During a disastrous 9th inning, IKF collided with center fielder Bader, nearly sending him back to the I.L. IKF had no business going full steam for that ball. Boone made a couple of bad decisions in this game, including bringing Clay Holmes into that situation, but IKF in left field is inexcusable. The Yankees won that game off a Jose Trevino pinch-hit walk-off, but Boone’s mistakes were glaringly obvious.
If IKF contributed offensively, the Yankees might get away with him playing the outfield. A player can hit his way into the lineup. That’s what’s even worse about the IKF outfielder experiment. He’s not hitting. IKF has one extra-base hit and two RBIs in 26 games and is batting .203. He’s not hitting his way into the lineup.
Even with starting outfielders injured, there are better options for the outfield than IKF. No, not Aaron Hicks. Oswaldo Cabrera hasn’t been hitting either, but at least he’s proven himself as a true utility man. With Bader back, IKF shouldn’t be in the outfield.